Fall 2011 - Urbana University

DAVE
“ Let’s meet in the Student Center. You’ll know it’s me
because I’ll either be wearing a John Deere hat or one
from Disney World,” stated recent graduate Dave Jenkins.
One might think the hat selections odd, but they make
perfect sense for a farmer of 17 years who is also an early
childhood education major. an ornery smile crosses his
face when he says, “Let’s just put it this way, the Education
Department knows me.” and they should. Dave is an adult
student in his fifty’s who has been chipping away at his
college degree for 12 years.
Dave’s education journey began in 2000 at Edison
Community College. In 2006 he transferred credits to
Urbana. Working full time in the swine industry, he was
responsible for 750 sows and transporting up to 300 piglets
a week. He attended night classes and said, “I figured it
would take at least eight years, but I never planned on 12.
When I started college, I am sure there were doubters and I
was here year after year.” He shakes his head and says, “If I
had a dollar every time someone asked, ‘are you still going
to school?’”.
among his biggest fans are Dave’s wife and children*.
His wife, Julie Jenkins, has taught for 28 years in the Triad
school district. “Without my wife Julie, this degree couldn’t
jenkins
happen,” Dave simply stated. Dave is also the father of
four, nathan (23), Drew (21), Danielle (18) and Mary (14).
Dave points out that Mary was only two years old when he
started college.
Dave’s determination is impressive. “I can count on one
hand the number of classes that I didn’t attend. I was afraid
I was going to miss something,” he says with an element of
pride.
He tears up when thinking about the last 12 years and
graduation day. So much has happened. “It’s been a long
journey. I’m glad this day is here. I never thought it would
come. This degree is such a sense of accomplishment. It
means a lot.” It’s hard not to be emotional after more than
a decade of work.
What is next for Dave? He plans to return to the classroom,
but in the role of Mr. Jenkins, a teacher. Urbana University
is confident that Dave will be an exceptional mentor of
students and that youth will benefit from someone who
understands the value and is committed to education. ■
*Dave is pictured with his family above.
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